Could Acupuncture Be the Answer For Relieving Your Back Pain?

Suka Lang

An expert gives advice on how acupuncture can actually help to treat your back issues.

Have terrible back pain? This treatment may just give you the relief you’re looking for.

Most people I see experience lower back pain from sitting and neck pain from looking at a computer all day.I start my acupuncture treatment of each new client by learning about their history to discover when and where their pain first occurred. Using this information, I create a profile, including things like any long-term injuries, or complaints of low energy or a weak immune system. Back pain can often be tied to poor circulation caused by sitting too long, or what we call blood stagnation, but traditional Chinese medicine also looks at things like kidney qi deficiency, which involves low energy and low immunity, and can lead to muscle pains. We often see this deficiency in people who are burning the candle at both ends. (Read up on what sitting is actually doing to your health.)

So, what is acupuncture?

Acupuncture uses different points on the body to stimulate different organ systems. So, if it seems poor circulation is to blame for your back pain, I would place needles in the area of the pain, inserting them into the tight band in the muscle. When I insert a needle, you might feel a little sensation on the surface, but once it’s in, you won’t feel anything. I leave the needles in for at least 20 minutes. If I suspect your pain is related to kidney qi deficiency, I would insert needles not just in the painful area but in those trigger points as well.

Anytime you insert an acupuncture needle in the body, it causes an inflammatory response, which draws white blood cells to the area for healing. The needles are inserted about an inch below the surface, so they can bring circulation into deeper muscle areas.

How many treatments are necessary?

The number of treatments that are needed depends on the nature of the back pain, but generally people need about one to three treatments to find relief. If you continue the behaviours that led to the pain, such as sitting all day, which diminishes circulation by pressing your hip on your femoral artery, it’s likely that you will need to come back for further treatment.

Acupuncture and massage work well together, so I often refer clients to see an on-staff massage therapist as well. Acupuncture can reach areas that are difficult for a massage therapist to get to, without causing much pain. Accessing these points beforehand makes for a less painful and more relaxing massage.

How does Acupuncture work?

Like sex and shiny hair, acupuncture is not like what you see in the movies. No, you won’t look or feel like a pin cushion. And it’s not a trendy treatment, but one that has been around for thousands of years. Here is how it works.

The acupuncturist says: “According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is based on the theory that essential life energy, called Qi, pronounced chi, flows through the body along channels called meridians,” says Remy. “Each meridian is connected to a specific internal organ. When the flow of Qi is blocked or out of balance, illness or pain results. The stimulation of acupuncture points along the meridians releases the blockage of Qi and promotes the smooth natural flow of energy, restoring balance and health to the body’s systems.”

The history behind acupuncture

Even though it may be new to you, acupuncture is one established treatment.

The acupuncturist says: “Acupuncture is believed to have originated in China,” explains Remy. “Sharpened stones and bones that scientists believe were used to perform acupuncture date from about 6,000 BCE. That’s 8,000 years ago!” She references a 2011 review from the Peninsula Medical School. “The first text describing an organized system of acupuncture treatment appears in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which dates from about 100 BCE.”

What are the different types of acupuncture?

Now, this is super interesting. There are many types of acupuncture. And that’s because of the different needles, the techniques used to apply them, as well as what they treat and more.

The acupuncturist says: There are tons! Based in Canada, you will likely have access to dry needling, Japanese, Korean, Korean hand, auricular (ear needles) and medical treatment. Korean acupuncture, don’t be surprised by the number of needles used on you. “It is not uncommon to have close to a hundred needles in one session,” says Remy. And “medical” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “healthier” or more credible. “When a Western Doctors performs Acupuncture, it is defined as medical acupuncture.” It is often used for pain management.

Does it hurt? Is it safe?

When you prick your finger with a pin, it hurts. But this is not the same thing. Like, at all.

The acupuncturist says: “Acupuncture should not be painful when performed by a qualified practitioner,” says Remy. “However, some patients do report sensations such as tingling, aching, heaviness etc. In fact, many patients become very relaxed and may even fall asleep with this form of healthcare frequently being described as a period of deep stillness in which nothing seems to be happening. As everyone responds differently to treatment, some patients may feel the relaxation described above, whereas others may feel energized. Your practitioner will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment.”

What should we know before our first appointment?

Like going to the doctor, you should be prepared ahead of time. Not only will you be more comfortable, it will also help you get better results from the treatment

The acupuncturist says: “Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow access to knees and elbows without being restrictive,” says Remy. So, wear shorts and a tank top, just in case it will help them to better access the area you need to be treated with acupuncture. And, don’t forget to eat. “It’s never a good idea to receive an acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach,” says Remy. Even a light snack prior to treatment will help you feel more comfortable. Also, she adds, because you might become very relaxed at your appointment, you might feel “off” after the treatment. “This may include feeling dazed, calm or peaceful, unable to focus or concentrate. It’s always a good idea to drink lots of water after treatment.”

How it may help with women’s health issues

I’ve known friends who have had acupuncture for fertility. But that’s not all.

The acupuncturist says: “Acupuncture can be used to help women through most stages in life,” says Remy. “It can be used to manage painful periods, boost infertility, manage symptoms with pregnancy nausea and morning sickness, to induce labor if past due date to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeping disturbances et cetera.”

How it may help with sports injuries

Many professional athletes use acupuncture to help their bodies heal from physical injuries.

The acupuncturist says: “Acupuncture can be used to treat various sports injuries including ankle sprains, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, runner’s knee and more,” says Remy. And this is why: “Acupuncture helps the body to reduce swelling and inflammation which is often seen with [these] injuries and it can also be used to relax muscles tension and promote healing.”

But it’s not just physical – mental health issues may benefit

The science community is showing interest in how acupuncture might help with depression and anxiety.

The acupuncturist says: “There is emerging evidence showing that acupuncture can be an effective tool for treating anxiety and depression,” says Remy, sharing this study. And, “there is also new evidence showing that acupuncture can work as well as anti-depressants in treating depression,” she adds, sourcing this study.

Might help reduce headaches and migraines

Headaches are a headache, but Remy suggests acupuncture might be solution.

The acupuncturist says: “In 2009, after researchers from the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich reviewed over 11 studies involving 2,137 acupuncture patients,” says Remy. The conclusion: Acupuncture “could be a valuable non-pharmacological tool in patients with frequent chronic tension-type headaches.”

Just might help you finally quit smoking

There are a ton of smoking cessation products out there, and acupuncture is another.

The acupuncturist says: “Acupuncture can help ease the cravings associated with quitting smoking,” says Remy, adding that it may also help to “detox” the body to further reduce nicotine cravings. She points to this research.

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